December 2014 - Dead time come and gone!

Well, first of all, a Happy New year to everyone, especially my friends and especially to Sue, who I sincerely hope, girly things will return be sooner than later. 

OK I know, this entry posted a couple of days into the New Year but titled December 2014 but it is after all about matters in the latter end of 2014! As my previous blog entry suggested, time leading up to xmas is always a dead time for me especially for outings but even I did not expect that there would be one outing during December as I did have plans for at least two but may be three and that did not include the one outing that I achieved. Put simply I got struck down with a virus in the second week of December, which basically spelt curtains for me for the rest of the month especially with Christmas / New Year week on the horizon! So for a while, I had accepted that it would be 2015 before I could get out again and then out of the blue, a message was received from Alison, that she was coming up to Manchester on Sunday 21st and would I like to meet her for an evening out. Well I could not say yes fast enough although I knew I was not 100% health wise but it was an opportunity never the less! See how things can change when you least expect it hey?

Fortunately for me, the virus I had was slowly improving and was ok to meet Alison at the Britannia Hotel, Manchester for an evening out in the Village! My outfit was simply a black lace Laura Ashley dress I had purchase the previous day so getting ready was simply easy as for a change already decided what I was wearing! As for the evening itself, great to see Alison again, lovely meal at Velvet and then hit some bars in the Village. Well being a Sunday and allowing for Christmas, I did not expect to be much activity as it could be quiet but there was enough people about to keep things going until 1am in the morning. The main activities seem to centre around “Via” and “New York, New York” bars so that is where we went for a drink or two along with some dancing too. As no surprise, people there were in a festive mood and all having fun. It was great being in the company of Alison and a good night was had, a nice way to end 2014 after all which at least keep me going until the New Year. 

As for other things, it was normal, just routine and nothing to write about. The festive period itself was a very quiet affair, in fact too quiet and in someways could not wait for it to disappear! On Xmas Day morning went to see my father who is a care home as he has dementia unfortunately. What a sad sight and not one that my Father deserves as like he had done for the previous 12 months, none the wiser for who I was! Yes physically he is still there but mentally, well on planet whatever! I stayed for an hour with him but I just wish he was put out of his misery, he never wanted that and again does not deserve it. OK I know some people will say, you should not wish that but unless you been in that situation, how would you know. No human being deserves that regardless who they are. Dementia is a very very cruel disease and hopefully some form of cure may be found although it wont be in my lifetime. Seeing my Father, scares me unfortunately! 

So it is now 2015 and again, happy new year to all. Looking back on 2014, it was not a bad year for KD, there were some good times, that was for sure but I think the most important thing that came out of the year was something small but significant never the less. I had finally come to terms with who I am and what I can do about it without the pressures / hassle / worries of other people in my life that had been about in previous years. In simple terms, people who knew me especially M.R. work colleagues etc had accepted me for who I am rather what I am. This meant I could be myself in what ever form that may be which made day to day things so much more enjoyable which meant wanting to be KD all the time was not an issue anymore as I could be “me” almost anytime I choose (well within reason)! I hope this continues for the future too.

As for 2015 in consequence, I am just going to take things as they come and see what goes before me rather than attempting to make plans or goals so to speak. Yes, still want to do certain things, such as a Race meeting, theatre outing etc but also various locations including London and may be the North East as well as more routine local outings hopefully with a friend too - now that would be nice as I still miss that especially with Tina going absent without leave in late 2013! I know the likes of Leeds First Friday, Sparkle weekend will definitely figure in any plans but may be a trip to Nottingham too? Who knows hey but will leave my options open regardless. 

Well, time to go as work beckons once again shortly. Happy 2015 to all. 

November 2014 - A routine entry!

Hello little blog and trusting you are ok? Yes ok here too with the usual grumblings but we stay away from that hey! So since last entry what has been going on? Not much I suppose but only three outings since with a couple near miss’s too but ended not going due to “family” matters. 

As mentioned in last blog entry, M.R. had suggested an outing with her “special friend” and this actually happened which was great. I decided to dress down so to speak in keeping with “normality” rather than short skirts of late. An enjoyable evening was had in the Manchester Village with a nice meal in Velvet and visits to both the Molly House and Oscars afterwards. M.R. was impressed with Oscars as it was her cup of tea as the bar is based on film musicals showing various known singing clips from the musicals which creates a talking point along with a good atmosphere. All in all, a successful night and hopefully it will happen again. 

My other two outings was meeting Alison from Kent, who was staying overnight and an excellent evening was had with unusually me getting home at 4.00am due to numerous reasons. It is always nice to see Alison, as we play catch up on various happenings, generally have a good time and plenty of laughter too. Visited Velvet again for a meal, along with calling into Via, Oscars and also Naps too - it was also Alison’s first visit to Oscars also and she liked the place too. My other outing was meeting Kate in the Village again and that is always an enjoyable evening. As mentioned before, I tried to get out the last two Wednesday’s but have been thwarted for numerous reasons - a sense of frustration on my part but I should get out next Wednesday all being well.

Manage to get some excess clothes from my wardrobe onto Ebay and overall, not a bad return although you never get the money back that you spent on the clothes in the first instance. However, at least some funds back rather than staying in the wardrobe and not getting worn, so no complaints there. Some items have not been sold but will try again sometime in the future.

Talking of clothes, over recent months, my dress style has changed in a little but not much. I have stopped wearing tights as i now preferring wearing stockings all the time  - so feminine and also more comfy to wear too. I've also worn the very occasional shorter skirt, showing my legs off more which some people suggesting they are good, so no harm! However, I still love my longer skirts so wont make a habit of it otherwise sends the wrong message, not just to other people but M.R. too which is important to me as I love being “me” which I thinks means a “classy / natural everyday” look? 

Still making some contact with new girls on a couple of forums but as usual, the nice ones seem to in another part of the UK or not sure about getting out. I think one or two of them will have to be long term plans for eventual meets but worth persisting though. Others though I can never figure out, yes they are seeking new friends but …… there is always an excuse of some sort or another why it is not possible to go further although they indicate they do! Genuine may be but time wasting at the same time I think which is not I’m seeking. However, the law of averages suggest allow for the time wasters and in between some good girls will come along. Fingers cross and hopefully local too! 

Now we are approaching Xmas, which seems to be getting earlier and earlier every (not sure why but something to do with making money I suppose), it is getting to what I call the dead time of year for me were KD outings are at a premium. Hopefully. I will get one or two outings in early December but after that, it looks it will be January before another outing - this just adds to more frustration and plenty of patience on my part waiting for festive season to come and go as soon as possible. Yes Bah Humbug she says! :-))

October 2014 - Getting back to “normal” & LFF!

Ah yes looking at the heading, what is “normal”? I really don’t have any idea, everybody has a different interpretation of the word but in my case, life after Sparkle! Writing this now 3 months after Sparkle, what have I been up to suppose is the question?

Well life after Sparkle has been up and down, but that is to be expected and something I’ve got used too. Work has been all over the place especially being short staff for a considerable period. It’s only recently, that we have got a full quota of staff but even today I find out another staff member is leaving for a new full time job! But that is progress I suppose! Home life is fine which is nice, in fact probably improved as my son has got a new employment and his finishing hours are more in keeping with “me” getting ready without the fear of an early arrival home - so that is an unexpected positive step forward. 

Outings have been at a minimum too for numerous reasons, working out about once a month but a total of 4 including Leeds First Friday last week. All three visits have been to the Village or thereabouts, meeting various friends but all been good never the less. On the second meet of the three, my good friend Sarah (Cheshire) manage to a rare outing and it is always nice to see her - she is a lovely girl and hopefully not too long before I see her again. The third was an invite to Anna’s 50th birthday meal at Brown’s Restaurant in Manchester City Centre in mid September and that was a good evening indeed. Good company as there was 7 of us altogether including Kate and Mrs Kate, along with good food and service with best of all away from the Village too. After that we headed to the Village to “Oscars” which is one of the best bars in the Village. The theme for “Oscar’s” is based on the Hollywood Film Musicals with TV screens around the small but cosy bar playing various musical songs from the films. The atmosphere is good but with the songs / video’s being played, they become a talking point as well as an excuse to staying quiet while you sing along - you just cant helped it! :-)) If you have not been, go and visit, you may just like it! Afterwards we headed to Naps before I finally headed home! My only regret, that I had forgotten to get a birthday card (& little pressie) for Anna as I’ve got into the routine of just another night in Manchester. Sorry Anna if you reading this but will make it to you in due course. 

My latest outing was last Friday but it was nearly a none event although it had been loosely planned since July. I had agreed with a friend from the North East to share a room over night at the Travel Lodge in Leeds for the “Leeds First Friday” monthly event with room paid in advance with a 24hrs cancelation (refund) clause too. Last time I was at LFF was in February so was really looking forward to this. What happened next was so unexpected and very annoying to say the least! My N.E friend (yes I am protecting her identity, silly me) text me 10.20am on the Friday of the event to say she not coming!! Apparently she had problems which was fair enough and clearly been on going for the previous few days without suggesting that she may not come but to leave so late to let me know, well as I’ve said was bloody annoying! This left me without the option of the 24hrs cancelation clause, and being on my own! Was made worst by the fact, another friend from Sussex who we going to meet for the first time decided also could not make it but she was going with another girl anyway, so it was not a definite meeting arrangement! Having had got all packed and ready to go, I was left in a Catch 22 situation - go and take a chance I meet someone familiar without gate crashing their arrangements or not go at all and lose the £43 on the hotel room? I spent the next 3 hours attempting to decide and even trying last chance saloon with a couple of other friends to see if they wanted to go with no surprise, no joy! In the end I made the decision to go and see what goes. In the meantime I had purposely not text N.E. friend back - you decide why! 

Having arrived in Leeds, I then find out another newie friend Tina was going as I received an e/mail via my phone she was arriving soon and we could get together.  This was finally a little bit of good news but still left a sour taste in my mouth though. My N.E friend knew she was going but had not said Tina was on her own or suggested where she was staying! As it happened, it was the same hotel and she was in a room on her own! It does not take genius to work out that had I known the day before, one of us could of cancelled the room, saved some money and stayed together in one room! Rubbing salt into the wound hey! As for the rest of the night, it was good one, we both enjoyed ourselves and never got to bed until very late not after meeting some interesting people along the way too including a nice couple from Burscough. Best venue of the night was the "Smokestack" with the theme based on R&B music - some great tunes getting played but there was very few girls in there but everyone was having a good time. A highly recommended venue were you dance all night to some great classic tunes! Something else happened during the night were my N.E. friend again manage to make a fool of me without being present - that takes some doing hey! :-))) Tina and I finally said our goodbyes later Saturday after visiting McDonalds for a bite to eat before finally heading home a little tired! 

I was hoping to get out again this week but sadly bank balance said no - ah well cannot have everything! :-)) The aftermath with my N.E. friend - well finally sent her a pleasant e/mail to her letting her know how I felt by the timing of the cancelation (not the reasons) but as yet no response although I know she has been around on the Internet. Mmmm I wonder whether an humble apology and £21.50 cheque will be forthcoming, as that all I want and then we can both move on and put it in the past, but sadly so far no response! 

Currently, now having a sort out of my wardrobe again and seeing what can go on Ebay. So far I’ve got over 20 items to sell and only half way through my wardrobes. Those wardrobes that have been cleared look much better and my clothes are not so tightly packed anymore. Just proves I’ve got too many clothes hey! If thinks go to plan and bank balance says yes, M.R. has suggested we could go out next Wednesday together with her “special” friend which I thought that was nice and as it happens there is a good opportunity to do so too. This pleases me to say the least and fingers cross it will happen - I really hope so! Well that is enough for this entry, time for bed as work later. 

September 2014 - Ah yes, Sparkle has come and gone again! (Part Two)

After a few hours sleep, Sunday morning time to get up, get packed and ready for a 11.00hrs leaving time from hotel room - not easy when you are short on sleep to begin with! Ah well, the joys of being the person that I and other girls are. :-) However, today was going to be a little different, as M.R. was coming for the day, mainly to see her good friend (let alone mine) Sue and also Zazoo and Joanne. I was after thought but I say that with a little tongue in cheek but had Sue not been there, M.R. would not come. Regardless, M.R. had known in advance that Sue would not be her usual self but it makes no difference, as it is all about the person hey. 

Anyway, I finally got ready, (a nice Laura Ashley dress worn) got my bags and stuff into the car along with booking out of the accommodation and headed to the Village once again. Met up with Sue, Zazoo, Dave and Joanne once again and about an hour later, M.R. finally arrived, who got a warm welcome from all. Fortunately the weather was kind, so we spent the rest of the afternoon, with in the confines of the Village, having our drinks outside Taurus just chilling and watching the world go by. It was decided that it would be nice to have out lunch at the Richmond Tea Rooms and fortunately manage to get a table for all of us around 14.30hrs. We spent the next couple of hours indulging in lovely sandwiches and cake - all enjoying each other’s company and having a laugh. During this time, for the first time in the events history, Sparkle organisers decided to have entertainment in the Sackville Gardens for the Sunday afternoon, so after our belated lunch, we headed to the park to see what was on offer. 

There were a few girls about surprisingly in the park, so we mingled as such and yet again I met up with another girl I had not seen for a while, which was Paula and as her lovely partner. As girls do we got chatting, and introduced our partners to each other, which after a slow start, they manage to have a nice conversation with each other. By then, the group of us decided another drink was required and headed to the tables outside Via. For the next few hours, more chat and drink was had. Talking of Via, I had forgotten about the encounter with some girls there, the day before who were friends of Alison. Alison was walking past and noted her friend (cant remember her name sadly), so she said hello, introduce me to her and her elderly friend, who I though was her mother! Anyway we had a couple of drinks and plenty of chat, but while during this chat, I only realise that the “mother” was in fact a TGirl friend! Talking about blowing me down with a feather, this was it and there was no way of knowing she was a elderly TGirl! Seeing her, gave me a boost for my thoughts for the future, so there is still hope as we get older.

By now it was now mid evening and thoughts were now thinking of home time sadly and leaving everyone to get a bite to eat somewhere. So for me it was time to get change and say our good bye’s to all and finally head home. M.R. seem to enjoy herself and was happy that she met Sue again, although as her alter ego but again, she still is the very same warm hearted lovely person. While I getting change, I realise only then, that my false eye lashes that were not going to come off at that time, so made the decision to do them when I get home, much easier to do so I thought! 

Finally arrived home, my son was at home, so made sure, no eye to eye contact was made as clearly he may note my lashes were longer than normal. Headed upstairs and attempted to get them off. Mmmmm there lies a problem, I could not tell the difference between the false lashes and my real lashes, so therefore it became clear it was not going to an easy job. To cut a long story short, I spent the next two days with the false eye lashes on, avoiding contact with my son as and when, but also best of all, I was in work for both days, were part of job is dealing with customers face to face, let alone my colleagues who already knew about me! Fortunately for me (I think), most customers had not noted or if they did, not said anything but I still had the problem of getting the lashes off. Well after seeking words of wisdom from different sources, there was three options open to me which were using baby oil, vaseline or eyelash glue remover. I had tried baby oil and vaseline the day before but no joy, likewise eyelash glue remover was a little known product especially in Boots! Well two days after the weekend, push came to the shove, and decided a concerted effort had to be made to get the lashes off! So on Tuesday evening, with the help of some vaseline, tweezers and a little patience, I finally got them off and fortunately without any damage to my own lashes which was the most important thing. There was relief on my part but also sadness, as then realise, had my son not been around, I would of left them on without any problem what so ever. May be next time I get false eye lashes, get a shorter set and may be, just may be, they could stay on? 

Well, that is the end of this year’s Sparkle weekend adventure, a most enjoyable one for all sorts of different reasons and no doubt be back again next year to see all my friends again. Now, I need to play catch up on my blog for what has been going on or not going on in the last couple of months. Hopefully be back soon. :-)

August 2014 - Ah yes, Sparkle has come and gone again! (Part One)

Well, its been a month since “Sparkle” has been and gone but not had the inclination to write about the weekend until now! Why, no particular reason just not a priority over the last few weeks until now. 

This year was the 10th Anniversary of “Sparkle” and surprisingly this was my 6th one I’ve attended, not bad considering I said the event is not for me! However, I will admit the reason I go is to meet girls far and wide who have become friends via the internet forums and chatrooms. Sparkle is one of those occasions, we can meet live so to speak. Interestingly there are attractions, talks and live music put on by the organisers of Sparkle but they are just side attractions at best for me personally. I’m sure many other girls may think the same too?

As usual, my two nights accommodation was booked in advance for Friday and Saturday with provisional arrangements already put into place to meet some friends over the weekend. This year, I had already arrange to team up with Sarah from Ashington who I’ve become friends with since we met at Leeds First Friday earlier in the year. As part of the Friday evening arrangements, a meal had was booked for four of us including my very good friend Sue from London and another new 2014 friend, Alison from Kent as she indicated she would be at Sparkle all weekend. So the initial meeting arrangements were put into place, which left me to pick my clothes for the weekend  and head to Manchester on the Friday dinnertime. 

I had already decided that on my way to Manchester, to book an appointment at a beauty salon in Warrington to get my nails painted and get false eye lashes for the weekend, it was sort of a treat to myself with a little bit of pampering thrown in too! Friday morning arrived, got ready and packed the car, then on my way to my 12.30hrs appointment but unfortunately arrived a little late but no worries, staff were chatty and friendly, while they also served other customers having their nails done amongst other things. My nails were done first, then elected to have medium length lashes, these were the semi-permanent type but was advised they would come off without too much of a problem. Mmmmm more about this later! :-)  Being in the area, I visited the local retail park afterwards and I made a surprise visit to see my ex Store Manager who moved to another store for personal reasons. We had a nice chat but was not surprised to see me interestingly although had mentioned it was not Wednesday! Having explained I was away for the weekend, she understood the Friday visit. After a walk around the some of the stores, I finally headed to Manchester. 

Arrived at my hotel room at the Weston Halls of Residence, yes it is cheap accommodation but its  clean, good shower room, light and mirror and comfy bed - what more do I need as it is only a base for my weekend in the Village, I unpacked and then just about to leave the hotel, I bumped into Sarah who only just arrived and was not ready, so agreed to meet later on prior to our booked meal at Velvet. Then headed to the Village and attempted to find Sue at Taurus but first person I met was Jane Owen, just like the previous two years - co-incidence I suppose and a good natter was had catching up on the previous year activities. Eventually, I noted Sue sitting down with Zazoo outside Taurus, with another girl, who I got introduced too by Sue, this being Amanda and also Zazoo’s friend, Dave (yes a bloke). We all then caught up on each other’s activities since we last met when eventually Joanne arrived after her difficult long journey from the West Country but she is here. In the meantime, Kate and Anna walked past and another natter was had. By now it was time to leave each other and get change for our pre booked meal at Velvet which initially was for four people but eventually was for nine with Alison and Mrs Kate also joining in too. Fortunately, the staff at Velvet although clearly busy, managed to squeeze us all in for a later time. Phew! 

Having got change again at my hotel room, I met up with Sarah but not before I had to zip up her lovely black leather dress! By then, we were running a little late but we all (Sarah, Sue, Zazoo, Joanne, Amanda, Alison, Mrs Kate, Dave and of course moi!) finally arrived at Velvet for our meal which was enjoyable and plenty of chat/laughter was had. After that we all went our separate ways including some of us going to the Molly House which surprisingly was not as busy as expected. Sarah, Alison, and myself after a couple of drinks having watch the “Irish” TGirl entertainment who sounded good then headed to Naps were we finished our evening out but eventually hitting our beds for some well deserved sleep! 

Now late Sat morning, eventually got up / changed and met Sarah, then headed to the Village once again and met up with Sue again at Villagio’s for lunch. The original idea was for an open invitation to all girls to join in but unfortunately only 9/10 of us turned up including Emma and Mrs Emma, who it was nice to see again. After that Sarah and I headed to Sackville Gardens to see what was going on in regards to entertainment and who else was around. Having mingle with the crowd, met a few familiar faces including a couple of girls from the past much to my surprise! One I noted at least four times previously but convincing myself it was not who I thought it was as it had been over 7 years since I last saw her thinking surely not! In the end I bit the bullet and I approached this girl either going to be right or be embarrassed and said are you Cerys? Much to my pleasure, it was, so for the next hour or so, we played catch up on 7 years! It was really great seeing Cerys who lives in South Wales and such a shame that Mrs KD was not about to meet her either, as they both got on like a house on fire. May be another occasion but at least we can keep in contact occasionally now. Not long after, I literally bumped in to Becky (Blackpool) who I had not seen for at least two years and another prolonged natter was had. 

One thing that became apparent, if you wanted to walk up or down Canal St, it was crowded as expected but bumping into friends you had not seen for a while, it would take you 3 hours to transverse the whole street were it would normally take you 5 minutes!! :-)) As for what entertainment was going on in the park, I have really no idea, yes there was music etc but it went straight over my head along with the various stalls there too. My apologies to those people who man those stalls but I don’t go to Sparkle for them, it is to meet friends far and wide. Anyway, it was now 6pm and it was now time to head back to the hotel room to get change for the evening for our booked meal at “Try Thai” restaurant in Chinatown. While getting change, I had received a text off Sue, who sadly had to make the decision that she could no longer take any more discomfort with her facial skin and was going to revert back to “bob mode” in the interests of her long term welfare. Fortunately with a little persuasion, Sue was still coming to the evening meal which I was happy about but I knew it would be hard for Sue regardless. 

Finally, I was ready and on time, agreed to meet Sarah, Amanda and her friend Tina in the Hotel Lobby at 8pm. Tina was coming out for the very first time as Tina although she had been a TV for a number of years but understandably she was nervous, which in consequence she was late getting ready and meeting us in the lobby. In fact even Sarah was late too, and added to the fact it was raining too, we decided to get a taxi and ultimately arrived about 45 mins late at “Try Thai” were Sue, Zazoo, Dave and Joanne were already there waiting patiently. As expected the restaurant was busy with “joe public” as we seem to be the only TGirls there. Interestingly for me personally, it was the very first time I had seen Sue in “bob mode” and sort of a reversal of last year’s Sparkle so to speak but your real “friends” are always friends regardless how they appear and Sue was no different, although I could see she was not wholly comfortable with herself, which i could relate too. Anyway, eventually, we all had a nice meal - some of the food was lovely but for me personally, just a little too much although excellent value for money. By this time, the rain had almost stopped and fortunately we could all walk back to the Village including Tina who had done well so far, by the fact her first outing was really in the outside world rather than initially the village world! Alas though Sue, had decided that it was time to go back to the hotel as she felt a little bit out of it - well not being Sue as such, I could understand her thoughts and I really felt for her - oh so sad. :-( 

For the rest of us, it was hitting the Village, enjoying ourselves visiting the Via, Molly House and ultimately Naps until the early hours of the morning were the coolest place to be was the dance floor in Naps were the Air Con was on. Standing / sitting anywhere else, the sweat was pouring off which is not good for make up or hair to say the least. We all eventually headed back to our hotel rooms for some well deserved sleep, albeit for a few hours only!